HSU looks to offer more business internship opportunities

Humboldt State University's business department internship program will soon be expanding to offer opportunities in Fortuna and the Eel River Valley, according to officials.

HSU Director of Project Development Denise Vanden Bos said the university will be partnering with the McLean Foundation to model the program after an existing one with the Patricia D. & William B. Smullin Foundation, which offers opportunities in Eureka and Arcata.

"The Smullin Foundation partnership really reinvigorated the internship program," Vanden Bos said. "When students do the internship program, they receive four units of credit and the Smullin Foundation provides a cash award at the end of the semester, when the internship is completed. Student debt is way out of control and this is a way for students to not go as far into debt. It also provides an opportunity for students to get experience and businesses can get projects done they haven't had time to get to."

Fortuna City Manager Regan Candelario said the internship program could be good for the city and the engineering department is just one of many that could use interns.

"Hopefully, we can bring the program into the city and get some projects done," Candelario said at the Fortuna City Council meeting on July 21.

Vanden Bos said the goal is to start offering internships in Fortuna and the Eel River Valley for the 2014/15 school year.

"The timing of the internship program is that faculty recruits students and interested sites during the fall semester and then matches students to businesses," Vanden Bos said. "The actual internships will take place during the spring semester."

Last spring, 25 students were placed at 23 sites. Vanden Bos said the department is looking to add another eight to 10 students for the first year through the McLean Foundation partnership.

"After the first year, I think it will grow a little bit, looking at the number of businesses in Fortuna that have expressed interest so far," Vanden Bos said. "There are still a lot of folks to talk to, but everyone seems really positive so far. My hope is that these internships provide experience to the students that helps them be better job seekers and employees. On the flip side, I hope it helps businesses grow and sustain the business they have because this is great for the local economy."